Public Protests in Herat Against Taliban’s Restrictions on Women

The United Nations expressed significant concern over the recent arrests of numerous women and reported that two individuals lost their lives during protests held in support of these women.

In Herat, Afghanistan, a city known for its social liberalism, people organized protests against the Taliban’s harsh policies restricting women’s rights. The authorities responded with extensive security measures.

Reports suggested that demonstrators marched towards a government building, holding signs and chanting slogans like “Women, Work and Freedom!” However, the authenticity of these videos showing the demonstrations has yet to be independently verified.

The protests on Friday followed earlier demonstrations on Tuesday, where two people, including a child, were killed and at least 20 others were injured according to the United Nations.

Sayed Masoud Hussaini, a police spokesman in Herat, refuted claims of arrests or injuries among participants, branding them as “agitators.” This contradicted accounts from witnesses and statements by the United Nations.

During the protests on Tuesday, a diverse group of men and women gathered in a square in Herat, their faces covered with scarves and masks, chanting for “education, work, and freedom!” The event took place in a neighborhood populated by the Hazara minority and Afghan refugees who had been expelled by Iran the previous year.

These demonstrations drew inspiration from Iran’s 2022 “Woman, life, freedom” protests, showcasing the regional influence on the slogans used.